Overview - ISO 6196-2:1993 (Micrographics vocabulary: image positions & recording methods)
ISO 6196-2:1993 is the second edition of the International Standard that defines vocabulary for micrographics - specifically image positions and methods of recording. Published in English and French, this part of the ISO 6196 series presents a concise bilingual glossary (12 terms) and establishes drafting rules to make definitions translatable and unambiguous across languages. The standard updates and replaces the 1982 edition and is intended to facilitate international communication in micrographics, information processing and archival imaging.
Key topics and requirements
- Bilingual terminology: Terms and definitions are provided in English and French to support international use and accurate translation.
- Concise term set: The document contains 12 entries focused on image positions and methods of recording.
- Entry structure: Each entry may include an index number, preferred term(s), synonyms, abbreviation, definition text, examples, notes, and common figures or tables.
- Drafting rules to aid translation:
- Definitions are written to avoid language-specific peculiarities.
- Use of bold type for terms defined elsewhere in the series and to show grammatical forms.
- Brackets and parentheses indicate optional or alternative wording and guidance for usage.
- A dot symbol (.....) can denote a word to be chosen case-by-case.
- Classification and numbering:
- Parts, groups and entries use consistent numeric coding (two-, four- or six-digit schemes) so vocabulary versions in different languages remain aligned.
- Normative references: The part references ISO 1087 (terminology), ISO 3166 (country codes), and ISO 10241 (terminology preparation and layout) as supporting standards.
Practical applications
ISO 6196-2 is useful for professionals who need clear, standard terminology related to microfilming and image capture processes:
- Archivists and records managers standardizing microfilm and microfiche capture workflows.
- Libraries and national archives documenting image positions and recording methods for long-term preservation.
- Micrographics equipment manufacturers ensuring consistent terminology in product specifications and user manuals.
- Standards bodies and translators seeking translatable, unambiguous definitions for multilingual technical documentation.
- Legal, medical and corporate records custodians specifying micrographic capture requirements in policies and contracts.
Related standards
- ISO 6196 series (other parts covering general terms, film processing, materials & packaging, image quality, equipment, computer micrographics, application)
- ISO 1087 - Terminology - Vocabulary
- ISO 3166 - Country codes
- ISO 10241 - International terminology standards: preparation and layout
Keywords: ISO 6196-2, micrographics vocabulary, image positions, methods of recording, microfilm terminology, archival imaging, microfiche standards.
